Garfield Bay Sewer Lateral Improvement Program

You may already be familiar with the City of Sandpoint’s Sewer Lateral Improvement Program; going forward however (as of January 1st, 2016),  If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Garfield Bay, Sagle, Idaho you need to be aware that they have implemented a similar program, nearly identical in fact.  Here is some important information regarding the Garfield Bay Sewer Lateral Improvement Program (SLIP) and attached document outlining the entire SLIP program for Garfield Bay.

The Sewer Lateral Improvement Program (SLIP):

The purpose of this program is to decrease the volume of inflow and infiltration (I & I) which enters the main sewer line by repair or replacing private sewer laterals. The program shall initiate inspections periodically so that the condition of the private laterals can be accurately assessed, and repaired or replaced as necessary. This groundwater and /or surface water entering the sewer mains has become a significant issue, making it harder and more costly to treat the sewage and increasing the cost to sewer patrons by requiring treatment plant capacity increases. Please see the attached program description for more information.
An owner must have their private sewer lateral inspected by video for defects when any of the following events occur:

1. A house or business is being sold and was constructed more than five (5) years ago, must be inspected before the sale closes except if such an inspection was conducted in the five years immediately prior to the sale and the video was provided to the District.

2. An owner takes out a building permit for more than twenty five thousand dollars ($25,000.00) for a house or business which was constructed more than five (5) years ago.

3. An inspection of a sewer main line identifies excessive inflow and infiltration from the private sewer lateral.

No house or business shall be required to have their lateral inspected more than once every five (5)

years.

What should you do now?

The first step for you, the owner, is to hire an inspection company to come and perform a video inspection of your sewer lateral. They will do this by running a small camera down your cleanout or toilet to make a video of the interior of your pipes. After the video, the inspector must contact Garfield Bay Water & Sewer District to inform them of the results. If there appears to be cause for concern, the Sewer District will review the video and rate the condition of your lateral based on several criteria.

 

Read full details of the Garfield Bay SLIP Program here:  Appendix H Lateral Improvement Program Final 7.21.15

 

How we’re different: 

Lateral Concepts, LLC is not a plumbing sales organization. We do not repair, replace, service, or excavate sewer lines. We are the ONLY “unbiased” sewer lateral inspection company of it’s kind in the entire state. We have state-of-the-art equipment and can email the video to multiple parties simultaneously. We offer professional support before, during, and after the inspection that will save you or your clients time and money.

– No conflicts of interest
– No more frustrating delays to closing
– No up-selling of service or exaggeration of problems
– No wasting time getting bids for repair

If problems are discovered: We will; at no charge, act as the liaison between client and contractor to negotiate savings for any necessary repairs or replacement of the sewer lateral.

Full comprehensive written reports for the discerning home buyer!

For additional information or to schedule an inspection:

Call us today!
Lateral Concepts, LLC
(208) 818-8241
Find us on facebook for more helpful information, tips, and client testimonials!

 

 

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, or to schedule an inspection, contact us at: 208.818.8241

 

What does sewer lateral repair and replacement cost?

The picture above is an archive from a sewer lateral we located for an investor at a rental property in downtown Coeur d’Alene – More pics from this project can be found on our facebook page here:  This lateral was 7.5′ deep at the city main – A street cut was necessary for repair –  Once they get the pipe laid in the ditch and start back-filling, they’ll also be subject to compaction tests by soils engineers. In Coeur d’Alene homeowners are also responsible for repairing the street, curb, and sidewalk also.  $8,300 later, they can use the toilet again!

 

Sewer lateral repairs or replacement can be extremely expensive!  While repairs can range $1,000 to $3,000 or more; replacement of the entire line will average $5,000 and can exceed $20,000 in some cases. Typically it will come as a surprise to property owners when sewage starts coming out of sinks, toilets, bathtubs and other drains. Property owners should plan for sewer lateral maintenance and repair just as they do for other major working systems of the building or residence.

To protect the value of your investment and avoid the surprises associated with costly repairs; we recommend video inspecting a building’s sewer lateral every 3-5 years, and/or prior to purchasing the property. Even a sewer lateral in new construction can be prone to breaks or problems if proper care to bed the pipe was not taken during installation. Likewise; rocks, gravel, and other construction debris, is often found in newly installed sewer laterals.  Finding these problems before you buy or before the warranty expires may save you thousands of dollars in repairs or maintenance.

Buying a home in Coeur d’Alene, North Idaho, or surrounding areas?  Call us to schedule a sewer scope!  208-818-8241

 

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, or to schedule an inspection, contact us at: 208.818.8241

Clothes Woes – Keep sewage out of your laundry!

Our primary purpose is to inspect, report, and consult on the internal condition of sanitary infrastructure – During our inspections however, we often run into other common plumbing problems that you should look out for when purchasing a home.  Take a close look at this picture of the plumbing at this home in Spirit Lake, Idaho and read our comments below. 

The 2″ stack of piping that we’ve pointed out on the right is for a laundry discharge. You’ll notice how high it is. Because of the elevation of the main 4″ sewer leaving the foundation wall. Someone has improperly added the laundry hook ups. It’s way too high. You’d basically be using the washing machine as a pump. The pump in a washing machine is not designed to lift that high.  This puts undue stress on the washing machine shortening its lifespan.  The appropriate solution would be to add a plastic laundry tub to drain the washing machine; that would drain to a sump pump, then the sump pump would eject the grey water to the 4″ sewer. Another problem is that if the sewer ever backs up, the first place it will go is into your washing machine (and that’s just gross).  When we do find a problem as such during an inspection, we strongly encourage buyers to seek additional recommendations from a licensed professional plumber.

If you have any questions regarding the sanitary infrastructure of your home or a home you’re considering purchasing, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  Phone calls are always free!

Spy before you BUY, Locate before you DIG!

Give yourself peace of mind! Call us at: 208-818-8241.

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, or to schedule an inspection, contact us at: 208.818.8241

 

What percentage of sewer lines actually have problems?

Our clients, potential clients, and real estate professionals often ask: What percentage of sewer lines actually have problems? Our answer: Well it depends on the age, but typically a home with a sewer lateral installed prior to 1970 is rarely free of some type of defect (nearly 100% have at least a minor problem).  While moderate problems exist in approximately 80% of sewer laterals, and severe problems existing in nearly 50% of the lines we inspect.

With new construction, it’s’ rare to find a problem. When we do however, it is typically moderate to severe (i.e. breaks or cracks from poor installation; as well as rock, gravel, test balloons, or other construction debris).

Inflatable test balloon broken off in new construction sewer – Hayden, Idaho

Watch some of our inspection videos and see for yourself. Have more questions?  Give yourself peace of mind! Call us at: 208-818-8241.

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

Cleaning your sewer can lead to an explosion?

Spring is upon us here in Coeur d’Alene, and summer is quickly approaching.  That means more to us than just fishing, camping trips, backyard barbecues, and sun burns.  There’s something that lies beneath that we should all be aware of.  This time of year, trees are growing fast.  Hot days and minimal precipitation means they need extra water and nutrients.  So where do they find it?  Broken sewer lines of course!  Tree roots grow into broken sewer lines inevitably leading to a back-up.  So what’s the first thing most homeowners do?  Call a plumber or a rooter company to come out and fix it?  Perhaps you’re handy and frugal yourself, so you rent the biggest snake you can find and grind away at the blockage…  But STOP!  Read the info below, watch the video, and think before you act.  Share this blog with your friends and loved ones.  It could save your life or someone elses. 

Over the winter we discussed the term “crossbore” in which utility companies inadvertently drill natural gas, fiber optics, power, and other utilities through private sewer laterals.  The practice of Horizontal Directional Drilling; also known as boring or HDD, is common practice for utility companies when installing new lines.  Unfortunately however, they don’t locate private sewer lines prior to such projects.  Here’s a video that shows the dangers of “crossbores”, the potential explosions and the heartbreak that goes along with it.  Do us all a favor.  Call before you dig, snake, clean, or rooter!  

National 811 service does not locate private sewer.  We do.  Schedule your inspection or locate today by calling:  (208) 818-8241. 

 

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

We’re now on Pinterest!

It’s not all dirty

Check out our page here:  http://pinterest.com/lateralconcepts/

 

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

CAPS LOCK

When looking at older homes; here’s a simple clue that the sewer line may have some problems. The plug/cap in this cast iron sewer cleanout would have originally been brass which can be difficult to remove.  Breaking or chiseling the brass cap is sometimes the only way to gain access.  The one in the picture below has been replaced with a newer ABS plastic one.  This may Indicate that some type of maintenance (snaking or jetting) to remove tree roots or other blockages has been performed.

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

An Idaho dream nearly lost

You’re empty nesters, children grown and gone, semi-retired, embarking on a lifelong dream to move from Colorado to North Idaho.  You purchase a gorgeous property overlooking Lake Pend Oreille in one of the most spectacular places in the country.  Your dream is now reality.  Ahh the simple life you exclaim while holding your wife tight.  This has been years in the making.  Excited about the endless opportunity for recreation and relaxation, the overwhelming joy and heartfelt exuberance is contagious to the people you engage.

Unfortunately, a trip to the bathroom yields yet again, less than desirable results.  This has happened more than once.  The initial snaking of the drain wasn’t a remedy, but temporary relief at best.  As the sewage backs up suddenly the thought of losing your dream puts a damper on your bliss.  After all the research you’ve done, you know well and sure that a failed leach field can be incredibly expensive to repair or replace.  Over dinner; and through your faith, you say a farcical prayer that the septic system problem is of minimal expense, and that you can continue your dream of living the simple life of retirees in this awesome new place you call home.

Time to call in an expert.  A Google search for septic video inspection reveals a possible answer to your prayer.  Lateral Concepts, LLC.  Reading further, you discover the numerous reviews and recommendations.  One from your Realtor that you’ve come to respect and befriend.  A quick phone call and you’re on your way to an honest discovery of the real problem.  Turns out the previous owner had built a magnificent fountain gracing the back yard.  A large spike driven to hold the footing has pierced the septic line.  As it catches solids and debris, back-ups are inevitable.  Digital location and depth of the problem area assures you that it’s a repair you can easily handle yourself.  And an inexpensive one at that!  Here’s to the glorious days you’ve dreamed about…  retired in Idaho!

“Can’t tell you how much stress you reduced in our lives. Leslie and I were living in real fear of maybe losing our dream as we knew we could not afford to fix a leach field. Just so great to know what it is. I gave your card to a friend today and he is a builder and said he would definitely use you in the future!”

All the best,
Hart – Hope, ID

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, or to schedule an inspection, contact us at: 208.818.8241

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

Is my real estate agent to blame?

“I wish I would have know this before I bought the house…  I had a home inspection.  Do you think I have any recourse with the home inspector or my real estate agent?”

In the few years I spent as a service technician giving bids on sewer and septic repairs or replacements for a large local plumbing and excavation company here in North Idaho; the quote above was unfortunately one of the hardest, yet most common (often tear-filled) responses I had to hear from my customers in and around the Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Sandpoint, and Spokane areas.   I always thought to myself, I sure wouldn’t want to be the realtor or inspector on the receiving end of that phone call.

Often times repair estimates exceeded several thousand dollars.  That doesn’t include the thousands it may cost for clean up and restoration if a sewer back-up occurred.  To most, sewer and septic lines are out of sight and out of mind when purchasing a property.  They automatically assume the home inspector will  determine any and all problems prior to their purchase.  Home inspectors however will simply run water in the sinks, tubs, showers, and flush toilets.  None of which will give any indication of whether the sewer or septic lateral is structurally sound or not.  It may take many many gallons of water and/or actual “usage” to indicate a problem or cause a back-up.

Both homeowners and commercial property owners were always shocked to one; discover that their sewer or septic line had been damaged due to age, poor workmanship, inferior materials, collapsed pipe, cracks, breaks, offset joints, bellies, or root infestations.  And secondly, to hear “the bad news”…  how much is was going to cost to fix it.

The only way to properly determine the structural integrity and functional operation of a sewer or septic line is to send a camera down.  By utilizing state-of-the-art technology (a 200′ long fiber optic camera with color LCD monitor), we can determine the condition of the line before it’s too late.  Before you sign at the closing table.  We not only protect buyers by providing an unbiased assessment of the condition of the sewer lateral, but we protect real estate professionals and inspectors by limiting their liability.  Your home inspector or real estate agents probably aren’t to blame.  Prior to purchasing a property however, it’s important to perform your own due diligence in having all the necessary and appropriate inspections.  Both customary and ancillary.  Likewise, a real estate professional (truly looking out for their buyers best interest), will encourage their buyers to perform these inspections.

 

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections and locates in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

 

Excellent information from our friends in Cincinnati! Keep in mind however, the cost estimates quoted in this blog do not exactly coincide with pricing in the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane areas. In North Idaho and Eastern Washington, you should expect to pay around 15-20% less for such a repair. It’s always best to do your homework. Get multiple bids and advice from knowledgeable professionals. Better yet, have an unbiased third party get involved to help with such an overwhelming process.

Lateral Concepts, LLC is a locally owned and operated business in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. We provide unbiased sewer and septic lateral video inspections, locates, and consulting in and around North Idaho, Spokane, and Eastern Washington. For more information, you may contact us at: 208.818.8241

Mainline Inspection Services

Currently, the two most common methods of repairing a damaged sewer line is a Full Line Replacement, and what is known as a Reline, sometimes referred to as a Sleeve. If an inspection reveals serious issues with the sewer lateral that can only be remediated with a full replacement or repair, these are the two methods I most often consult my customers on.

An excavation is a pretty straight forward option in which the yard is dug up and the old line is removed and replaced, usually, with either SDR 35 or SCH 40 PVC pipe.

A reline is  often referred to as a “no-dig” trenchless sewer repair, as it requires very little, if any digging. It involves re-lining the interior of the existing damaged  sewer line with a seamless liner. The new sewer liner can sometimes be installed through an existing access point, called a clean-out…

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